The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the much-awaited project to upgrade the Kaliabor–Numaligarh stretch of National Highway 715. The project, costing ₹6,957 crore, includes the construction of a 34.5 km elevated corridor across Kaziranga National Park, a move that promises to improve connectivity while ensuring the safety of the state’s precious wildlife.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, described the decision as “historic” and a “transformative moment for Assam.” Speaking about the project, Sonowal said, “This elevated corridor will ensure a free, safe, and uninterrupted passage for wildlife between Kaziranga and the Karbi Anglong Hills. It is a promise to protect our natural heritage while building a brighter future for our people.”
The Kaliabor–Numaligarh stretch, which was earlier part of NH-37 and now falls under NH-715, is currently a narrow two-lane road. The route runs along the southern boundary of Kaziranga, one of the most famous national parks in the world, and passes through several built-up towns. During monsoon floods, wild animals often cross the highway in search of shelter on higher ground, leading to tragic accidents and frequent wildlife deaths. 
The new plan aims to address these long-standing concerns. Out of the total length, 34.5 km will be elevated, allowing elephants, rhinos, deer, and other animals to cross safely beneath the highway. The project also includes the upgradation of 30.22 km of the existing road and the construction of 21 km of new greenfield bypasses to decongest busy towns like Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat.
According to government officials, the upgraded highway will not only protect wildlife but also bring huge benefits to people. The project will drastically reduce travel time between Upper and Central Assam and improve road safety for thousands of commuters.
Sonowal underlined the broader economic impact, saying, “Along with protecting Kaziranga, this highway will boost eco-tourism, create jobs, support industries, and facilitate smoother travel for pilgrims and visitors. This is a road that connects emotions, aspirations, and prosperity.”
The alignment of the upgraded NH-715 will connect with other major roads, including NH-127, NH-129, and SH-35, and will also link to three railway stations—Nagaon, Jakhalabandha, and Vishwanath Chariali—as well as three airports—Tezpur, Lilabari, and Jorhat. This connectivity is expected to improve logistics and trade across Assam and the Northeast.
The project is projected to create 15.42 lakh person-days of direct employment and 19.19 lakh person-days of indirect employment. This is seen as a major boost for Assam’s socio-economic development, providing opportunities for local youth in construction, transport, supply chains, and tourism-related sectors.
Sonowal stressed that the initiative reflects the Modi government’s vision of balancing progress with sustainability. “This is not just a highway – it is a realisation of Modi ji’s vision, where progress and nature, economy and ecology, go hand in hand,” he said.
